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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

This irresistible combination of sweet and spicy chicken paired with rich, creamy mac and cheese is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Let’s dive into this comfort food favorite!

Ingredients

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

For the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta shape)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
  3. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
  4. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it with breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Fry the chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  3. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
  3. Toss the fried chicken tenders in the sauce until fully coated.
See also  Simple Apple Pie Recipe

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
  4. Add the garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Plate the creamy macaroni and cheese as a base.
  2. Top with the honey pepper chicken tenders.
  3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion: The sweet honey and spicy pepper sauce perfectly complement the creamy richness of the mac and cheese.
  • Comfort Food Favorite: Combines two classics into one hearty, satisfying dish.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Pro Tips

  1. Crispier Chicken: For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by repeating the dredging process.
  2. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to match your heat preference.
  3. Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce and cheese sauce in advance for quicker assembly.

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese is a comfort food masterpiece that’s sure to impress. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

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